Laser Cleaning in the Nuclear Industry

Laser cleaning is a modern and exceptionally gentle method for removing contaminants and corrosion residues from sensitive reactor components. Its application in the nuclear industry enables efficient cleaning of reactor pressure vessels and other critical parts without mechanical contact or the use of chemical agents.

The process is contactless, selective, and highly precise, ensuring maximum protection of the base material, minimizing the generation of secondary waste, and enhancing overall operational safety. As a result, laser cleaning is an ideal solution for applications that require the highest levels of cleanliness, repeatability, and radiation safety.

Thanks to these characteristics, laser cleaning is also well suited for applications demanding the highest standards of operational reliability.

Laser Cleaning of Reactor Equipment

Components of nuclear power plants are exposed to extreme conditions – high temperatures, pressure, and cooling water containing boric acid. These factors lead to the formation of corrosion layers and deposits that can negatively affect operational reliability as well as the ability to perform non-destructive testing, such as ultrasonic inspection.

Experience from cleaning the VVER-440 reactor pressure vessel has confirmed that laser technology can effectively remove these layers even in environments with limited accessibility and strict radiation safety requirements. Compared to mechanical or chemical cleaning, it also generates significantly less secondary waste.

This reference demonstrates the practical applicability of laser cleaning in further nuclear reactor maintenance applications.

We cover this topic in more detail in our case study.

Further applications of laser technology in the nuclear industry

In addition to applications used in the maintenance of VVER and PWR reactors, laser technologies can also be applied in other areas of nuclear facilities where a strong emphasis is placed on precision and safety.

  • Under water laser cleanning inside the reactor vessel
  • Laser cleanning/decontamination of the spent fuel boxes
  • Laser cleaning and inspection of steam generator header flange
  • Laser cleaning and weld preparation for non-destructive testing (NDT)
  • Laser cleaning of stud bolts
  • Welding of the plugs of steam generator tubes​

Laser Cleaning of VVER-Type Reactors

Interview: Look at Cleaning in the Nuclear Industry with Karol Flimel

Case studies

Read about the laser applications we have implemented or developed for industrial companies.

Interested in our services?

Custom production

OEM solutions

Laser safety